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Five New Year’s Resolutions for Healthy Vision

Below, we’ve listed five resolutions you can follow for better eye health. Which of these can you see yourself accomplishing in 2019?

Wear sunglasses

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory – they’re also an important way to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful radiation. While most people understand that excessive sun exposure can be dangerous for skin, fewer are aware that UV rays can damage your vision as well.

According to the National Eye Institute, an estimated 20% of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure. UV exposure may also increase the risk of developing macular degeneration (a serious eye disease that can result in blindness) or pterygium (a non-cancerous growth within the eye).

When you purchase sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Other sunglasses might look nice, but they won’t protect your eyes.

Wear protective eyewear

If you plan to participate in any home improvement activities this year, protective eyewear is a must. Woodworking, glass cutting, and many other projects can result in flying debris that can become lodged in the eye. Welding goggles are necessary during metal-working to avoid retinal burns.

When it comes to protective eyewear, accept no imitations. Most protective eyewear lenses are made from polycarbonate, a material that is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Regular glasses, swim goggles, and other makeshift solutions can shatter if they’re damaged, causing even more damage to your eyes.

Quit smoking

If you smoke, 2019 is the perfect year to quit. Not only does smoking harm your lungs, but it also significantly increases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are up to four times more likely to develop this condition – and smokers who have a genetic predisposition to AMD are up to 20 times more likely!

People who smoke alsodouble their risk for developing cataracts, uveitis, and dry eye syndrome. Smoking while pregnant can result in numerous fetal and infant eye disorders including strabismus (crossed eyes) and underdevelopment of the optic nerve, a condition that can result in blindness.

Practice good contact lens hygiene

This year, take some time to make sure that you’re practicing proper contact lens hygiene. The American Optometric Association (AOA) published several recommendations for good lens hygiene including:

Wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses

Replace your lens case at least every three months

Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule

Remove contact lenses before swimming or using a hot tub

People who fail to follow these recommendations are at risk for developing a contact lens-related eye infection like keratitis. Some infections can be so severe that they require surgery to correct.

Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Many common eye diseases – for instance, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease – have no early symptoms. By the time symptoms emerge, your vision may be damaged permanently. The only way to guarantee that your eyes are healthy is by receiving yearly comprehensive eye examinations.